NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ACCI to establish Centre for action on business, human right violations

ACCI to establish Centre for action on business, human right violations

186 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says it is planning to establish a centre to help businesses align their services and activities with respect for human rights.

Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the ACCI, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Jideani said that the chamber had started the process with the National Human Rights Commission, to establish the centre for business and human rights.

“What we intend to do with this centre is to ensure that businesses align their services and activities with the rights and respect for the people of the society in general.

“This is in line with the guidelines regarding the activities of businesses in general for national and international communities,’’ he said.

The ACCI boss said that the centre would be an African Continental Centre for Business and Human Rights.

He noted that the centre aimed to promote and support businesses in adopting responsible business practices that respect human rights.

“The centre will serve as a platform for joint action on business and human rights in Africa.

“There will also be a Dispute Resolution Centre for accessing remedies for human rights violations,” he said.

Jideani said that the centre would also serve as a hub for collaborative efforts on business and human rights issues across Africa.

He said that the Centre would offer a mechanism for individuals and groups to seek redress for human rights violations caused by businesses.

“The chamber has a national Dispute Dissolution Centre aimed at providing a platform for resolving commercial disputes efficiently and effectively.

“It also promotes business confidence and institutional trust.

“Its primary objective is to support ACCI members by offering accessible, timely, and cost-effective mechanisms for resolving disputes, thereby, contributing to a stable business environment.

“The centre promotes and protects trade, business and commerce, and its dispute resolution centre seeks to foster a conducive environment for trade and business,’’ he said.

He said the chamber also had a Business, Entrepreneurship, Skills, and Technology (BEST) centre, which is unique and created to empower individuals and organisations within the Abuja business community.

The ACCI boss said that the empowerment was offered through capacity development and world-class learning.

He said that its objectives was to improve business operations, enhance productivity, and promote skills development in entrepreneurship, technology, and vocational fields, focusing mainly on youths, women and the business community.

“This centre is very unique in the sense that our survey indicated that the requirements of industry are not being met by the outward products of our educational institutions.

“In order to close this gap, we established the BEST centre to provide training that will suit the industrial requirements, so that the educational positions and the industrial requirements are brought in sync.

“This way, the BEST centre provides a lot of training in vocational requirements and others.

“It also provides training, not just for members of the ACCI, but also for other interested stakeholders and the public service,” he said.

He also said that the ACCI had the National Advocacy Policy Centre (NPAC), which helps to advocate for business-friendly policies and promote economic development.

“Its importance lies in its ability to gather insights from industry experts and policymakers to inform policy decisions.

“The ACCI embraces and supports business persons who are interested in learning and expanding business,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

SMEDAN awards N5m to post-harvest losses innovators

SMEDAN awards N5m to post-harvest losses innovators

137 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has awarded N5 million to three young Nigerian innovators with outstanding ideas to tackle post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, commended the participants for their ingenuity at the inauguration in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was held under the SMEDAN Talent Hunt initiative, in partnership with Microvis Microfinance Bank and Baobab Microfinance Bank.

The overall winner received a cash prize of N2 million, the first and second runners-up received N1.5 million and N1 million respectively, while other participants also went home with consolation prizes.

The competition, which attracted young talents from across the country, provided a platform for participants to pitch creative solutions aimed at improving food preservation and reducing agricultural waste.

According to Odii, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda through the GROW strategy, championed by SMEDAN.

“Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of our innovative youth. With the right support, their ideas can solve national problems and create jobs,” he said.

Odii reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting youth-driven innovations and providing opportunities that contribute to national development.

Also present at the event were representatives from the Federal Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), who pledged continued support for homegrown innovations.

Over the years, the SMEDAN Talent Hunt has featured diverse sectors, including fashion, poetry, film production, ICT, and technology.

It offers not only funding but also national recognition and access to business development support. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

CITM urges CBN to back Naira with gold reserves

CITM urges CBN to back Naira with gold reserves

266 total views today

By Aderogba George

The Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (CITM) on Friday called on Nigeria’s monetary authorities to consider partially backing the Naira with gold reserves as a means of stabilising the currency.

The Institute’s Registrar, Mr Adedoyin Olumide, who made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) outlined a strategic approach to restoring confidence in the Naira.

He spoke on the theme: ‘Strengthening the Naira Through Partial Gold Reserve and Gold Sovereign Wealth Fund: A Clarion Call to Monetary Authorities’.

He noted that although Nigeria does not operate a gold standard, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could implement a partial gold reserve system to support the national currency.

Olumide stressed the need to formalise Nigeria’s largely informal artisanal gold mining sector through licensing and regulatory reforms.

He suggested that the CBN initiate a policy to purchase gold directly from licensed local miners, supported by investment in mining technology and partnerships with international refineries.

He said the establishment of a sovereign gold fund would allow the CBN to accumulate reserves and use gold to stabilise the Naira in the foreign exchange market.

According to him, this would strengthen demand for the Naira, enhance investor confidence, and improve the currency’s competitiveness and value.

He also called for the development of local gold refineries to add value to raw gold, retain profits, and grow national reserves.

The registrar proposed legal reforms to mandate that a percentage of locally mined gold be sold to the CBN, mirroring Ghana’s model of centralised gold purchases.

He emphasised the need to prevent illegal exports and give the CBN first refusal rights on refined gold bars to grow its reserves.

He advocated transparency through ethical sourcing, stamping, and certification to make Nigerian gold more acceptable in international markets.

Olumide said adherence to standards like the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) would improve traceability and pricing of Nigerian gold.

He argued that holding more gold would enable the CBN to use reserves as collateral for international loans or to issue gold-backed bonds.

He added that this would boost Nigeria’s creditworthiness and reduce borrowing costs, especially during economic uncertainty.

He noted that gold retains value during inflation and currency depreciation, making it a reliable hedge in volatile economic periods.

He said the government must raise awareness among miners, local communities and businesses to ensure buy-in and minimise resistance.

He also called for stakeholder engagement to discourage illegal mining and encourage lawful participation in the formal gold economy.

He encouraged collaboration with international organisations for technical assistance in refining, investment, and infrastructure development.

He warned that challenges such as corruption, insecurity and inadequate funding must be addressed through institutional reforms and stronger oversight.

He said that incorporating gold into Nigeria’s monetary strategy would help stabilise the Naira and reduce inflation.

He added that although a full return to the gold standard may be unrealistic, partial backing would offer a practical path to restoring the currency’s value. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NNPC Ltd.  empowers 531 NYSC members with grants

NNPC Ltd. empowers 531 NYSC members with grants

241 total views today

By Nana Musa

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), has given N531,000 each to 531 NYSC members in a bid to make them self reliant.

The corps members were also empowered with starter packs to start their own businesses.

The items were presented to the corps members by the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NNPC Ltd., Mr Bayo Ojulari in Abuja on Thursday.

Ojulari was represented by Mr Roland Ewubare, the Group Chief Operating Officer of NNPC Ltd.

According to him, the initiative underscores NNPC Ltd’s commitment to youth development and national progress.

Ojulari described the gesture as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future as well as a reflection of NNPCL’s values of integrity and excellence.

He praised the corps members, adding that they were selected from a highly competitive pool.

“You are exceptional candidates. We are proud to support your journey,” he said.

Ojulari urged the recipients to build purposeful businesses and uphold high standards.

“Use these resources wisely. They are seeds for your growth and transformation,” he advised.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is a collaboration among NNPC Ltd. Foundation, NYSC, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Kudimata Nigeria Ltd.

The aim is to improve lives through financial empowerment.

The Managing Director of NNPC Ltd. Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said the project began with a focus on financial literacy.

“More than 800,000 corps members have participated since August 2023,” she said.

Arukwe said the training covered branding, funding, project viability, and more.

The 531 finalists scored at least 70 per cent to qualify after a rigorous selection process.

“Even those not selected today have gained skills to access loans and grants. This is a long-term investment in economic resilience,” she said.

Kudimata founder, Kathleen Erhimu, hailed the initiative as a milestone. “We are celebrating purpose and transformation. Our goal is to empower the youth for financial independence,” she said.

The Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, commended NNPC Ltd. for providing both training and tangible tools.

“Few partners offer such a complete package,” he said.

Nafiu praised the foundation’s contribution to youth entrepreneurship. “This will go a long way in helping the beneficiaries realise their business dreams,” he said.

In his remarks, the Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, represented by Hajiya Amina Fika, congratulated the recipients. “Your success is a testament to your resilience and creativity,” he said.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to register their businesses formally. “Take advantage of our online platforms to access funding and grow sustainable enterprises,” he urged.

One of the beneficiaries, Ozigi Faith, described the programme as life-changing. “It is our first step to financial freedom.

“Let us stay focused and make the most of it,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Experts chart new path for Nigeria’s economic recovery at BIU lecture

Experts chart new path for Nigeria’s economic recovery at BIU lecture

220 total views today

By Usman Aliyu

Economic experts on Thursday called for strategic reforms, citizen accountability and evidence-based leadership to revive Nigeria’s economy.

The experts made the call during the maiden public lecture of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences of Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin, the capital of Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture had the theme, “Rethinking Nigeria’s Economic Management Policies and the Way Forward.”

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Mustapha Sagagi, a seasoned economist and non-Executive Director at Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), blamed systemic corruption, weak policy implementation, and fiscal recklessness for Nigeria’s challenges.

“Nigeria does not have a shortage of economists, engineers, or accountants.

“What we lack is a leadership and institutional system that allow good ideas to translate into action,” he said.

He emphasised that macroeconomic policies, no matter how well-crafted, often faltered due to poor coordination among top decision-makers.

He also highlighted the damaging effects of past unbridled borrowing and money printing, noting that over N30 trillion was printed in seven years without corresponding economic output.

Sagagi, a lecturer at the Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano, however, acknowledged recent gains including inflation moderation, rising reserves, and improved forex transparency.

He pointed to the CBN’s tightening stance and unified exchange rate system as stabilising forces.

“If not for monetary tightening, the naira could have crashed to N3,000 per dollar. That would have been catastrophic,” he noted.

He stressed that more needed to be done, however, to translate macroeconomic reforms into better livelihoods.

In a lecture, Dr Sam Amadi, a Harvard-trained governance expert, reinforced Sagagi’s points but emphasised institutional capacity and infrastructure planning.

“Development isn’t just about growth. It’s about enhancing people’s freedoms and capabilities,” Amadi said.

He lamented the chronic failure to address productivity, inequality, and multidimensional poverty.

“Nigeria keeps changing governments, but policies remain unimplemented or ill-conceived.

“We need infrastructure that matters—feeder roads, power, education—not flyovers built for political optics,” he said.

Rounding off the session, Dr Ayo Teriba, CEO of Economic Associates, called for long-term planning and infrastructure investment.

“We must put the Ministry of Budget and National Planning at the centre. Without a functioning plan, fiscal and monetary policies are rudderless,” he said.

Teriba advocated replicating the telecom sector’s privatisation success in power, rail, and gas, arguing that “infrastructure was too important to be left to the government alone.

He also highlighted inefficiencies in agricultural distribution, noting that 60 per cent of crops were lost post-harvest due to poor transport and storage systems.

“Agriculture is not failing; the support systems around it are,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remark, Prof. John Okhuoya, Vice-Chancellor of BIU, said universities had a duty to drive policy engagement and development solutions.

“We must move from analysis to action. BIU is committed to being a hub for solution-driven conversations like this,” he said.

In her remarks, Prof. Rosemary Obasi, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences of the university, said the lecture was meant to bring stakeholders together to deliberate on the future of the nation’s economy.

She noted that the faculty was confident that insights shared would inspire new perspectives and ideas.

In his address, Prof. Mike Asekome, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the experts were carefully selected to share their expertise and experience in reviewing, rethinking and proffering solutions to the present economic trajectory. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

SON, IEC commits to partnership on global electrical standards in Nigeria

SON, IEC commits to partnership on global electrical standards in Nigeria

234 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on electrical and electronic standardisation in Nigeria.

The Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said this at a Stakeholders Forum organised by SON in collaboration with IEC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Abuja.

The Forum was organised as part of the 2025 African tour and official visit of the Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the IEC, Mr Philippe Metzger, to Nigeria.

Okeke, described the visit as historic and a major boost for Nigeria’s standardisation efforts in the electrical and electronic sector.

“Today is a memorable day for us in the standardisation fraternity. We are honoured to host the IEC secretary-general, which signifies Nigeria’s growing influence and commitment to international standards,” Okeke said.

He said that Nigeria became an affiliate member of the IEC in 2006 and attained full membership in 2017, adding that the country, through SON, now mirrored 23 IEC technical committees locally.

According to him, Nigeria’s involvement in IEC activities has led to the adoption and nationalisation of international standards, with a direct impact on local production quality.

“One of our major achievements is the improvement in the quality of Nigerian electrical cables, which are now globally competitive,” Okeke stated.

The SON D-G urged Nigerian manufacturers to leverage the IEC Conformity Assessment Schemes to gain international certification for their products, boost exports, and reduce rejections in global markets.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NERC, Mr Sanusi Garba, also welcomed the IEC team, stating that the visit was timely, given the ongoing power sector reforms following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023.

Garba said that with states now empowered to regulate electricity within their jurisdictions, there was an urgent need for alignment and adherence to robust national and international standards.

“Standards are essential for safety, efficiency, and reliability in the electricity market. We must ensure operators comply with them to avoid unnecessary accidents or system failures,” he said.

Also speaking, the IEC secretary-general urged Nigeria to fully embrace international standards in the fields of clean energy, digital technologies, and smart grids.

According to Metzger, this will help to boost the country’s integration into global supply chains and accelerate industrial innovation.

He emphasised the IEC’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability through cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and smart energy systems.

According to Metzger, these technologies are tools to enhance productivity and innovation, not mere trends.

He reiterated the importance of standards in safeguarding quality and preventing unsafe products from entering the Nigerian market.

He further stressed the role of IEC in enabling smart grids that manage multi-way power flows and integrate renewable energy effectively.

The secretary-general also underscored IEC’s work on emerging energy solutions, including certification for low carbon hydrogen and robust cybersecurity standards tailored for industrial environments, critical to Nigeria’s growing energy sector.

On sustainability, Metzger reiterated recent IEC initiatives such as carbon footprint verification and circular economy services, aimed at supporting Nigeria’s ambitions for environmentally responsible industrial growth.

He called for increased participation of young Nigerian engineers and experts in IEC’s programmes, noting the essential role of digital natives in shaping the future of standards and innovation.

“Nigeria has incredible know-how and talent. Your young professionals must be empowered to inject new ideas into global standards,” he said.

Metzger expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership with Nigeria and encouraged stakeholders to deepen collaboration through the national committee to harness the full potential of clean energy and digital transformation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the forum include academia, manufacturing sector, regulators, and consumer groups.

The aim of the forum was to enable the stakeholders engage with the IEC delegation and discuss ways to further deepen Nigeria’s role in global standardisation efforts.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

BPP, PCNGI partner on clean energy transition

BPP, PCNGI partner on clean energy transition

191 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has pledged to collaborate with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to support Nigeria’s clean energy transition, reduce poverty, and improve cost efficiency in public services.

Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the BPP, made this known in a statement released by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations at BPP, in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the PCNGI Programme Director/CEO and his team to the BPP headquarters, Adedokun emphasised the Bureau’s pivotal role in ensuring public procurement delivered value to all Nigerians.

“If the BPP fails in its mandate, every sector, including health, transportation, energy, and infrastructure, will be impacted, ultimately worsening poverty levels in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the collaboration directly supported the first policy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which emphasised the use of local content and indigenous solutions to address national challenges.

Adedokun highlighted that widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across public institutions could significantly ease the financial burden on civil and public servants, and Nigerians at large.

He proposed offering special incentives to encourage citizens to convert their vehicles to CNG, thereby increasing disposable income, supporting small businesses, and improving overall quality of life.

He also stressed the importance of properly training procurement officers in public-sector procurement practices, distinct from those in the private sector, with an emphasis on compliance, professionalism, and timely service delivery.

To ensure a coordinated rollout, Adedokun called for a tripartite meeting involving the BPP, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the PCNGI.

This, he said, would align policies and enhance strategic implementation.

The partnership, he added, would empower the Bureau to make better-informed procurement decisions when evaluating requests from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In his remarks, PCNGI Programme Director and Chief Executive Michael Oluwagbemi expressed appreciation for the BPP’s openness and leadership.

He said their visit was aimed at fostering deeper engagement and understanding of procurement frameworks, critical to the successful implementation of the CNG transition.

“As awareness of CNG continues to grow, so does the pressure on procurement systems,” Oluwagbemi noted.

He reaffirmed PCNGI’s readiness to work closely with the BPP to ensure the energy transition was both impactful and sustainable.

He also encouraged the Bureau to lead by example by converting its own fleet to CNG and promoting the initiative among its staff.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Commission partners BudgiT to promote transparency in capital budget implementation

Commission partners BudgiT to promote transparency in capital budget implementation

160 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has expressed its readiness to partner with BudgiT to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s capital budget implementation.

The Executive Chairman of the commission, Dr Victor Muruako, made this known while receiving a BudgiT delegation on courtesy visit in Abuja.

Muruako was represented by Alhaji Muhammed Zailani, the Director of Administration and Human Resources Directorate, FRC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation formally presented the finalised copy of its Capital Projects Monitoring Manual to the commission.

The copy is a Practical Guide and Framework for Tracking National and Subnational Projects in Nigeria.

Muruako said that the meeting served as a platform to discuss key public finance management policy recommendations and explore areas of alignment and collaboration between both organisations.

He emphasised FRC’s ongoing efforts to promote fiscal discipline and transparency, particularly through public sensitisation campaigns targeting Nigerian youths and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

“As part of our mandate under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, we are engaging the youth to raise awareness about fiscal governance,” he said.

The Chairman said that the commission advocated for more capacity-building initiatives internally.

He said that the FRC had embarked on several workshops focused on data visualisation and the use of infographics.

According to him, infographics are now one of the most effective ways to communicate information quickly and clearly through digital platforms.

The leader of the BudgiT delegation and Stakeholder Manager, Mr Andrew Oaikhena, said that the purpose of the visit was the official presentation of the policy manual.

Oaikhena said that BudgiT was a civil society organisation that promotes transparency and accountability in public finance.

“We are also here to discuss challenges ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) face in preparing and executing capital budgets.

“The BudgiT is collaborating with anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“The commencement of this collaboration with FRC aims to ensure that only appropriate items are included in capital budgets,” he said.

Oaikhena expressed optimism about the potential impact of the partnership.

He said that the copy of the monitoring policy manual marked a significant step toward institutional synergy in the fight against corruption and the promotion of fiscal responsibility in Nigeria.

The event concluded with the formal presentation of the hard copy of the monitoring manual. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Address regulatory, technology issues to boost cooperative businesses in Nigeria — World Bank

Address regulatory, technology issues to boost cooperative businesses in Nigeria — World Bank

209 total views today
By Ginika Okoye
The World Bank has urged cooperative societies and regulators to address issues around technology and regulations in the country to meet with global cooperative trends.
World Bank Lead Speaker, Dave Grace, said this at a two-day conference organised by the National Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN) in collaboration with the Abuja Cooperative Federation.
Grace, who spoke online in Abuja, said that cooperatives in the country could drive the economy and thrive with technology.
The Executive Secretary of CFAN, Mr Emmanuel Atama, said the conference was to discuss ways of making cooperatives in the country to conform with global best practices.
Atama added that the conference was also a platform to work out ways to ensure that cooperatives rendered financial inclusion services to the grassroots.
According to him, participants would discuss the serious gaps like information, technology, regulatory gaps as stated in the World Bank survey.
“There are a lot of development around the world that cooperatives are yet to be acquainted with.
“So, this conference is being called to make sure that we keep you abreast of such development and to bridge the gap.
“As the World Bank report stated, there are regulatory issues, like the regulator not checking on the cooperative in terms of inspection as regular as it should be.
“Then, there is also the issue of the cooperatives also not rendering their report as regular as it should be.
“So, we intend to use this forum to keep you abreast of technological development within the cooperative sub-sector and see how you can embrace it,” he said.
The President of CFAN, Alhaji Muhammed Zakari, said the conference was to institutionalise regulation and accountability in all cooperatives across the landscape.
Muhammad said that without accountability, cooperatives would not achieve their objectives and were bound to fail.
“So, accountability is very crucial, and there is also the need to comply with the regulation that is in place for cooperatives.
“When there is accountability, it will attract more people into cooperatives.
“We expect the Cooperative Development Fund (CDF) to replace the previous tendency for cooperatives to be expecting some stipend from government, because we can borrow from the fund,” he said.
The Federal Director of Cooperatives, Alhaji Idris Sani, said the conference was a reaffirmation of collective commitment to the growth, sustainability and integrity of the cooperative sector in the country.
Sani, represented by Patricia Dara, an official of the department, said the conference was to provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the regulatory environment that shaped cooperative ecosystem.
He said the conference was also to assess progress, identify gaps and chart a way forward for enhanced compliance innovation and sectorial growth.
“Through stakeholder engagements, policy reviews and targeted capacity building initiatives, we have worked to foster a culture of accountability, financial discipline and good governance within the cooperative movement.
“However, we recognise that challenges persist.
“Issues such as weak internal controls, limited access to finance, governance lapses and regulatory non-compliance continue to impede the sectors’ full potential.
“Conferences like this are crucial, they provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and partnership building,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel Noah, the President of the Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), commended CFAN for the conference.
The President, Akilaah National Cooperative Society Limited, Ms Amandine Kouakou, urged the country to adopt the CDF as a way forward to boosting cooperative businesses in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference attracted cooperative officials from different states of the country.
The theme of the conference is, ‘Repositioning Cooperatives to Deliver on Inclusive Growth and Development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
Abuja enterprise agency seeks collaborations for conducive business environment for MSMEs

Abuja enterprise agency seeks collaborations for conducive business environment for MSMEs

182 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Enterprises Agency (AEA) says it is collaborating with local and international organisations to support Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for a conducive business environment.

said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the agency was partnering with Japan International Agency (JICA) and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to support Nigerian MSMEs to be more productive in their business.

“We have collaboration, not only with JICA, but also with other international and national organisations who actually provide us with needed manpower training.

“We collaborated with KOICA to establish a Startup Digital Innovation Academy (SDIA) in the agency`s complex,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the initiative was part of KOICA’s broader Abuja Centre for Entrepreneur (ACE) project, which is aimed at supporting the growth of MSMEs in Abuja and beyond.

He said that SDIA served as a digital hub for SMEs, providing them with training, resources, and opportunities to improve their digital capabilities.

According to him, the agency is also partnering with the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) to enhance investment for job creation.

“The collaboration aims to empower youth, attract investment, and create jobs, potentially through initiatives like the Abuja Start-up Hub.

“The agency is working with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to revolutionise the shea butter industry in Nigeria.

“The objective of the partnership is to enhance production, processing and commercialisation of shea butter, thereby promoting sustainable development and empowering local communities.

“Beyond all these engagements, the agency is also partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The programme has gone a long way in supporting the agency for easy access in technology to help leverage and enhance businesses for our SMEs,” he said.

The AEA boss said that collaboration was crucial in the process of developing MSMEs.

“As a matter of fact, most of our activities are purely based on partnerships because the SMEs sector is so huge that we really cannot do the job alone.

“We require support, partnership and collaboration, not just from the public sector alone, but from the private sector as well,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the AEA was planning to host Abuja Farmers Food Fair (AFFF), adding that the agency was working with Global Learning Hub to ensure the success of the programme.

He said that the global learning hub was a platform that would facilitate access to training and knowledge-sharing, thereby, attracting people across the city.

“It aims to showcase agricultural innovations, connecting farmers with access markets and promoting economic growth in Abuja.

“The AFFF is a significant event for the agricultural sector in Abuja, offering opportunities for networking, market access, and economic growth.

“It is also a chance to explore groundbreaking innovations, connecting and interacting with industry leaders.

“The fair is expected to play a role in transforming Abuja into a leading agro-commerce and innovation hub in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the AEA was the FCT’s vehicle for wealth creation, employment generation and poverty eradication. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrhahman

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